Occupational Exposure To Hazardous Substances Among Laboratory And Health Security Technicians: A Systematic Review Of Health Risks And Compliance With Safety Regulations

Abstract

Background: Laboratory technicians and health security technicians (HSTs) operate at the frontline of chemical, biological, radiological, and physical hazards. Their risk is shaped by substance properties, task design, facility controls, and safety culture.
Objective: To synthesize book-based evidence on (1) the principal health risks faced by laboratory and HST personnel and (2) organizational practices associated with compliance to safety regulations.

Methods: A systematic, narrative review of authoritative books and official manuals only (monographs, textbooks, and standards-style handbooks) published in English (2000–2025). Sources were identified through publisher catalogs (Wiley, Oxford University Press, National Academies Press, National Safety Council, Elsevier/ASM), library indices (NLM, Google Books), and institutional portals (CDC/NIH, WHO). Inclusion criteria: books/manuals with substantive chapters on laboratory hazards, exposure assessment/control, biosafety, radiation protection, or OHS management; exclusion: journal articles, conference papers. Data were extracted on hazard classes, exposure routes, acute/chronic health outcomes, and compliance systems (policies, training, monitoring).

Results: Twelve core books met criteria. Across sources, four hazard domains dominated: (a) chemical (solvents, formaldehyde, carcinogens, sensitizers), (b) biological (human pathogens, rDNA), (c) radiation/physical (ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, noise/heat), and (d) cross-cutting procedural risks (sharps, waste, fire/explosion). Risk determinants included volatility/reactivity, aerosol-generating procedures, scale of use, ventilation performance, PPE adherence, and competency. Compliance correlates repeatedly emphasized a hierarchy-of-controls program, risk-based biosafety, exposure assessment strategies, training with competency checks, medical surveillance, and incident learning systems.

Conclusions: Authoritative books converge on the same message: risk control for laboratory and HST roles is most effective when exposure assessment and risk-based control programs are institutionalized, with management accountability and worker competency at the center. Organizations should couple engineering controls and work-practice standards with routine monitoring and feedback loops to sustain compliance.